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‘IBB’s son Muhammed accepted Tinubu’s appointment’ – Presidency dismisses ‘rejection letter’
The Presidency has refuted claims that Muhammed Babangida, son of ex-military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, rejected his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture.
In a letter shared by Dele Momodu on Monday, Muhammed said he rejected the appointment.
However, in a post on X, a presidential media aide, Olusegun Dada said Babangida dismissed the reports of the rejection as false.
“Muhammed Babangida Accepts BOA Chairmanship. Thanks President Tinubu
“Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.
“In a press statement released Monday, Babangida dismissed as false and malicious the reports circulating online suggesting he had rejected the appointment. He described such claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Tinubu administration.
“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” parts of Dada’s statement read.
The Presidency assured the public that those behind the fake reports would be identified and held accountable.
“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation.
“The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians to remain discerning and to verify information from credible sources.
“Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic appointments approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across key government institutions,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a letter dated July 21, 2025, Muhammed purportedly rejected the appointment.
The letter, allegedly authored by Muhammed, was shared by publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu.
The letter said Muhammed declined the appointment due to personal and professional considerations.
The letter titled ‘Declining Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture’ reads, “I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the honour of being considered and appointed as chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. It is a true privilege to be thought worthy of such a strategic role in advancing the nation’s agricultural and economic development.
“After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with utmost respect, to decline the appointment. This decision was not made lightly.
“It stems from a convergence of personal and professional considerations, which, at this time, would not allow me to serve with the level of focus and commitment the position rightly demands.
“Your Excellency, I remain fully committed to the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria under your leadership. I continue to hold your administration in the highest regard and stand ready to support national development in other ways where my expertise may be of service.
“Thank you once again for your confidence in me. I am deeply appreciative.”
Reacting, Momodu, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wrote on Instagram:
“Well done, Muhammed, for rejecting a Greek gift.”
Recall that Muhammed Babangida was among the fresh appointments by Tinubu barely two days ago.
Reacting, ADC slammed Tinubu for attempting to buy Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
Two people were killed and several others injured in a violent bandit attack on Tuge town, Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Friday morning.
According to residents, the assailants stormed the community around 7:00 am, firing sporadically and forcing locals to flee for safety.
The victims sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The attack comes despite multiple peace deals brokered between Musawa local authorities and bandit groups operating in the area.
Community leaders had hoped these agreements would reduce violence and allow displaced residents to return to normal life.
Security forces were reportedly alerted as the attackers withdrew, but many residents questioned the value of the peace arrangements, pointing out that rural communities in Katsina remain highly vulnerable.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has restated that it is a self-governing political party, insisting it is not controlled by any single person.
The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC remains accessible to all Nigerians, including prominent political figures such as former presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
He maintained that no individual can claim ownership of the party.
Abdullahi made the clarification during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Friday, where he dismissed claims that the ADC is being groomed to advance the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, such claims are unfounded and largely driven by individuals who lack a proper understanding of the party’s internal structure.
He explained that ADC members are fully aware that the party operates on collective ownership, a principle that allows it to welcome influential politicians from different backgrounds.
“Those of us within the ADC know that the party does not belong to any one person. That is why someone like Peter Obi can join, and why Rotimi Amaechi is already a member,” he said.
He further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is behind the growing speculation, accusing it of attempting to interfere in the ADC’s internal affairs.
The ADC spokesperson also assured that the party’s presidential candidate would be chosen through due process, stressing that the outcome is not prearranged.
“Whoever eventually becomes our presidential candidate, whether Atiku or any other aspirant, will emerge through a transparent and credible process,” Abdullahi stated, reaffirming that the ADC is not the personal platform of any individual.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday scheduled a date for judgment in a case brought by the Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance, CSOCLC, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State last year.
Justice James Omotosho set Friday, March 9, 2026 for judgment after both the plaintiff’s counsel, Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe, and the defence lawyers adopted their processes and presented arguments supporting and opposing the suit.
In the fresh lawsuit, CSOCLC questioned the President’s authority to remove elected state officials during a state of emergency.
The NGO argued that while the President may declare an emergency under Section 305 of the Constitution, he does not have the power to suspend or remove elected executive or legislative officers and appoint an interim administrator.
Justice Omotosho, however, highlighted the similarity of the case to previous ones he had dismissed, citing jurisdictional issues under the old Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act of 1962.
He also referenced a Supreme Court decision from December 15, 2025, which dismissed a related case on procedural grounds.
Acknowledging these earlier rulings, Ahaaiwe insisted they were mistaken.
The lawyer argued that the 1962 Act is a “spent” law, deliberately omitted from statute books before the 1999 Constitution came into effect.
He further contended that a 2025 presidential order modifying the alleged non-existent law is “unconstitutional, null, and void”.
“The constitution has fully covered the field on emergency powers. No executive proclamation can alter the express provisions of Section 305,” he added.
Lawyers representing the 1st to 5th defendants, including the President and the Attorney-General of the Federation, relied on the same 1962 Act and the modification order.
They argued that only the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over such disputes and urged the court to strike out the case.
The plaintiffs had requested 26 reliefs, including a declaration that Rivers State cannot be governed by an appointed administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, outside the constitutional provisions.
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